George Brown Polytechnic Layoffs 2026: What’s Happening & Severance Rights

George Brown Polytechnic is cutting more jobs after eliminating 51 roles in March 2026 — calling the move a “last resort.” (CP24)

“Like many post-secondary institutions, we continue to face financial pressures, largely driven by changes to international student policies introduced across Canada by IRCC beginning in 2024, which have affected enrolment across the sector,” a statement from the Toronto-based college reads.

“We have taken a measured and ongoing approach to these challenges, including voluntary retirement and voluntary exit programs, alongside other budgetary measures. Workforce decisions are a last resort, taken only after exploring all other measures and following a comprehensive review of program delivery, workload, and operational requirements.”

George Brown Polytechnic didn’t disclose how many jobs will be axed during the latest round.

This page explains:

• What’s happening with layoffs at George Brown Polytechnic
• Whether a layoff at George Brown Polytechnic is permanent
• How much severance employees at George Brown Polytechnic may be owed
• What to do before signing a severance offer

Is a Layoff at George Brown Polytechnic Temporary or Permanent?

For non-unionized employees at George Brown Polytechnic, a layoff is almost always treated as a termination without cause, even if the following language is used:

• “Restructuring”
• “Reorganization”
• “Transformation”
• “Temporary layoff”

Unless your employment contract explicitly allows for George Brown Polytechnic to temporarily lay you off, the company can’t place you on indefinite layoff without terminating your employment — meaning they must provide full severance pay.

Severance Pay for Staff at George Brown Polytechnic

Non-unionized employees, including those at George Brown Polytechnic, are often owed far more severance pay than what’s outlined in their initial offer.

Severance is based on common law entitlements, not just minimum standards. Factors include:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position and seniority
• Availability of comparable jobs

It’s not uncommon for employees at George Brown Polytechnic to be owed up to 24 months of compensation.

Severance may include:

• Base salary
• Continued benefits
• Bonus and incentive compensation
• Stock, equity, or RRSP contributions (where applicable)
• Vacation pay
• Other earned compensation

First offers often:

• Cover only minimum entitlements
• Exclude bonuses or incentives
• Impose short signing deadlines
• Undervalue long-service or senior employees

Severance Offers: Common Problems

Canadian employees affected by layoffs frequently report issues such as:

• Severance offers far below legal entitlements
• Missing or unclear compensation breakdowns
• Benefits cut off too early
• Bonuses excluded without justification
• “Temporary layoff” language used improperly
• Pressure to sign within 24–48 hours

Wrongful Dismissal and Layoffs at George Brown Polytechnic

A wrongful dismissal occurs when major employers, including George Brown Polytechnic, fail to provide full severance required under common law.

You may have a claim if:

• Your severance offer is too low
• A termination clause isn’t enforceable
• You were pressured to accept your severance offer on the spot
• Bonuses or benefits were excluded from your severance package
• You were terminated while on medical, parental, or disability leave
• George Brown Polytechnic labelled your termination a “temporary layoff” without contractual authority

Large-scale layoffs at George Brown Polytechnic don’t reduce their legal obligations.

Laid Off at George Brown Polytechnic? Next Steps

If you’ve been laid off at George Brown Polytechnic:

1. Don’t sign your severance offer immediately
2. Gather your employment contract, bonus plans, and benefits information
3. Use the Severance Pay Calculator to double-check your entitlements
4. Keep records of your role, compensation, and length of service
5. Speak with an employment lawyer before agreeing to anything

George Brown Polytechnic Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions

How much severance can employees at George Brown Polytechnic receive?

Up to 24 months — depending on age, service, and position.

Are layoffs at George Brown Polytechnic permanent?

For non-unionized employees, yes. A layoff is typically a termination.

Does George Brown Polytechnic have to include bonuses in severance?

Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.

Can George Brown Polytechnic terminate employees on leave?

This can raise serious wrongful dismissal and human rights issues.

Can employment lawyers represent unionized staff at George Brown Polytechnic?

No. Unionized employees at George Brown Polytechnic must go through their union.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

If George Brown Polytechnic has laid you off, or offered a severance/buyout package, don’t do anything before seeking legal advice.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, one of Canada’s most reviewed employment law firms, has helped more than 50,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.